An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort and potential infection. This condition often results from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or experiencing repeated trauma to the toe. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, excessive sweating, and certain foot deformities that increase pressure on the toenail. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and in severe cases, drainage or infection. The condition can cause significant pain, especially when walking or applying pressure to the toe. Poor foot hygiene and underlying medical conditions like diabetes or circulatory disorders can further contribute to the problem. Ingrown toenails can cause significant pain and discomfort. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for treatment.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth

• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels occur when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, and fissured due to a lack of moisture and excessive pressure. This condition can range from mild dryness to deep, painful cracks that may bleed. Symptoms include rough, flaky skin, itching, discomfort while walking, and, in severe cases, redness and inflammation. In the early stages, the skin appears dry and begins to harden. As the condition progresses, small cracks form, which can deepen over time and cause pain or infection. Common causes include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, obesity, and medical conditions such as diabetes or eczema. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer you effective treatment remedies.

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing

• Wearing open-back shoes

• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels

• Living in a cold or dry climate

• Taking long, hot showers

• Not moisturizing the heels

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Palmoplantar keratoderma

• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet

• Exfoliating with a pumice stone

• Moisturizing the heels

• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels

• Avoiding prolonged standing 

• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers

• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Playing basketball puts considerable strain on both the feet and ankles because of constant jumping, quick stops, and rapid direction changes. These dynamic movements often result in foot and ankle injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures, as well as inflammation of tendons. Hard court surfaces amplify impact forces, increasing the likelihood of overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Repeated stress can lead to pain, swelling, and diminished mobility, affecting overall performance on the court. Proper warm-ups, stretching routines, and strength exercises are essential to help prevent these issues. Selecting supportive, well-cushioned footwear also plays a key role in reducing injury risk. If discomfort persists or injuries worsen, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain in children is often caused by Sever’s disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. This condition typically affects active children between ages eight and 14, particularly those engaged in running and jumping sports. The pain results from repetitive stress on the developing heel bone, which is growing and more vulnerable to injury. Other causes include overuse injuries, poor footwear, Achilles tendon tightness, and biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches. Children may experience pain during physical activity, limping, or tenderness at the back or bottom of the heel. A chiropodist diagnoses heel pain through a physical exam, gait analysis, and sometimes imaging like X-rays to rule out fractures. Treatment focuses on rest, stretching, wearing proper footwear, and custom orthotics, if needed. In severe cases, activity modification or temporary immobilization may be recommended to relieve symptoms and prevent long-term issues. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel

• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest

• Pain that increases after exercising

• Swelling

• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.